FAIC EXHIBITION AND CONVENTION 2016 HELD IN MUMBAI

Federation of All India Caterers (FAIC) held its second Convention and Exhibition

by Suman Gupta

Federation of All India Caterers (FAIC) held its second Convention and Exhibition at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The event witnessed a poignant start with grand inauguration by Shri Subash Desai, Honorable Minister for Industries (Maharashtra State), legendary Actor Jackie Shroff, Celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor and Dr. Harshdeep Kamble, Commissioner of Food and Drugs Administration, Maharashtra. The three days event will see attendance from over 20,000 visitors comprising of Caterers, Banquet Owners, Hoteliers, F & B Professionals and Fast Food Vendors. Over 5000 caterers are likely to participate in the event that would see top of the line exhibitors showcasing the latest trends, innovative products, décor, upgraded equipment and advanced technology.

“After the grand success of FAIC’s first convention in Ahmedabad we are now pleased to unveil the second edition of Exhibition & Convention in Mumbai. FAIC Exhibition & Convention 2016 held this year with enhanced grandeur and provides a perfect platform for manufacturers & traders from across the country to converge under one roof. This is the only event for the Caterers & by the Caterers that would present them great opportunity to connect to top national & international exhibitors. The convention will support meaningful discussion between caterers & chefs, help connect with experts from the industry, discuss government policies, educate members on various guidelines.” says Narendra Somani, President, Federation of All India Caterers.

For the first time a panel discussion was held between caterers and chefs on the theme ‘Future Trends in Catering’. It was presided by some of the industry’s top veterans - Celebrity Chef, Ajay Chopra, Chef Dhaval Ajmera (ITC Hotels), Celebrity Amrita Raichand, Harish Shah (Popular Caterers, Mumbai), Paresh Desai (Flavours, Ahmedabad), Sameer Lakhani (Lakhani Hospitality, Mumbai) and Nikhil Tipnis (Nikhil Catering, Mumbai). To offer more insights on the sector particularly for the younger generation we will be holding seminars on latest trends, advance technologies, International Hospitality Standards, advanced HR and training skills besides having a detailed discussion on the Food Safety Act.

“Catering in India has now become integral part for the success of various events and social occasions. It is one of the fastest growing sectors that has seen surge in demand across the country. The sector though largely unorganized is estimated to be dominated by over two-million caterers primarily in metros, tier 1 and tier 2 cities. Caterers have adapted innovative flair while doing it on grand scale from weddings, social gatherings, formal events, conferences and parties” says Yogesh Chandarana, Vice President, Federation of All India Caterers.

The sector has witnessed paradigm shift over the years with state- of- the- art technological offerings, innovative concepts, growth in Indian regional food, multi cuisine cross region specialties and global cuisine trends being decisive factors. With thriving growth in industries and IT/ ITES sector, corporate catering with classic courses of delectable menu is gaining lots of popularity. As per recent report there has been significant increase in online search for catering services that is emerging as an important local service category.

Indians have always had intrinsic fervor for good food. Today with more Indians traveling than ever before they have access to the best global dishes. Hence their expectations from catering services have also risen. To meet the ever-increasing demand for new cuisines the caterers adapt to changing trends by preparing wide range of culinary delights and presenting it with panache. Hence catering sector in India has never been as prominent as it has become today.